Obituary of Ronald J. Banke

Ronald James Banke peacefully died December 22, 2019 after a brief illness. He was 83. A resident of Viera, Florida, he was born January 18, 1936 in Fairmont, Minnesota, finished high school there and graduated from what is now known as Minnesota State University, Mankato. As a certified track builder, Ron designed running tracks for some of the nation’s most prestigious universities and academic institutions. He and his wife of 61 years, Gail Banke, helped found Faith Covenant Church in Burnsville, Minnesota. Hundreds of children heard the Good News and learned about the Bible at Faith Covenant for more than 20 years thanks to Mr. Banke’s faithful teaching at “Pathfinders” on Wednesday nights. Despite passing away as a Florida resident, Ron remained a loyal fan of the Minnesota Vikings, instilling his purple passion into the entire Banke family, all of whom remain hopeful to one day see their team win a Super Bowl and know Ron is celebrating in heaven. In addition to Gail, Ron is survived by son Jim Banke and his wife Dawn; daughter Jane Banke; grandsons Christopher Banke and his wife Anna, Jason Banke and his wife Lynn, and Alex Banke; and great grandchildren Evelyn Banke, Allison Banke and Kaylee Banke. A private family service was held. He will be interred in the cemetery of East Chain Evangelical Free Church in rural southern Minnesota, where Ron and Gail (Johnson) were married in 1958. If you would like to honor Ron’s life and service to God, please consider a donation in his name to Faith Covenant Church in Burnsville, Minnesota. (https://faithcovenant.org/)